Libya has signed a new agreement to modernize its telecommunications sector through a partnership between ZTE Corporation and Libya Telecom & Technology, marking a major step toward improving digital infrastructure and expanding internet services across the country.
The memorandum of understanding was signed during the Mobile World Congress held in Barcelona, where both companies announced plans to cooperate on upgrading Libya’s telecom networks and accelerating the rollout of advanced connectivity technologies.
The partnership aims to modernize infrastructure that has suffered from years of instability and underinvestment. A key focus of the agreement is the expansion of 4G and 5G mobile networks to improve coverage and service quality across Libya, particularly in regions where internet access remains limited or unreliable.
According to available data, Libya had approximately 6.5 million internet users in 2025, representing about 88.5 percent of the population. The country also recorded more than 7.4 million mobile connections, a figure that exceeds the total population due to the widespread use of multiple SIM cards. Despite these high usage levels, connectivity quality remains inconsistent, especially outside major urban areas.
To address these gaps, ZTE will provide fixed wireless access technology and MiFi terminals that allow telecom operators to extend broadband coverage more quickly and at lower cost compared to traditional fiber network deployment. These solutions are expected to help improve internet accessibility in underserved regions.
Beyond infrastructure upgrades, the partnership also seeks to strengthen Libya’s digital services ecosystem. The two companies plan to develop e-commerce platforms, digital wallet solutions, and payment technologies that support online transactions and encourage the growth of digital commerce.
Financial inclusion remains relatively limited in Libya, with a large portion of economic activity still conducted in cash. Expanding digital payment systems could therefore play a significant role in facilitating business activity and supporting the development of online services.
The agreement also includes the introduction of content delivery network technology, which improves browsing speed and reduces delays by bringing digital content closer to end users.
